CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The latest on the Carolina Panthers’ injury situation heading into Sunday’s opener at Jacksonville:
Defensive tackle Star Lotulelei is out. The stress reaction on his right foot isn’t 100 percent, and the staff isn’t willing to risk a setback to play him in one game. Carolina’s first-round draft pick in 2013 should be on target to return for Week 2 against Houston. Kyle Love will start for Lotulelei as reported earlier in the week.
Cornerback Josh Norman was cleared: Norman got clearance from the concussion protocol late Thursday and will start. Norman’s status never really was in question.
Center Ryan Kalil will start: The four-time Pro Bowl selection missed the final two preseason games with a sprained knee, but he practiced the past three days. The team will be careful with him, though. They’ll likely shift starting right tackle Mike Remmers to center to relieve Kalil. That means rookie Daryl Williams would move into Remmers’ spot at tackle.
Offensive tackle Nate Chandler is out: Chandler experienced soreness in his knee that underwent surgery last year. He did not practice on Friday. That leaves the backup spot behind Michael Oher to Amini Silatolu, who also is the backup to Andrew Norwell at left guard.
Fullback/tight end Richie Brockel is out: He has a shoulder injury and hasn’t practiced all week. The team is targeting next week for his return.
